Meridian Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results and Announces a Quarterly Dividend of $0.125 per Common Share

Rhea-AI Summary

Meridian (MRBK) reported Q3 2024 net income of $4.7 million, up 42.6% from Q2, with diluted EPS of $0.42. The company saw net interest margin of 3.20% and loan yield of 7.41%. Commercial loans grew by $30.0 million (2%) quarterly and $158.0 million (11%) yearly. Deposits increased by $63.5 million (3%) in Q3 and $170.3 million (9.4%) year-over-year. The Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per share, payable November 19, 2024. Total assets remained stable at $2.4 billion, while non-performing loans increased to $45.1 million.

Positive

• Net income increased 42.6% quarter-over-quarter to $4.7 million
• Commercial loan growth of 11% year-over-year
• Deposit growth of 9.4% year-over-year
• Net interest margin improved to 3.20%
• Non-interest income increased 17.2% quarter-over-quarter

Negative

• Non-performing loans increased to $45.1 million from $37.6 million in Q2
• Non-performing assets to total assets ratio increased to 1.97% from 1.68%
• Net charge-offs of 0.11% of total average loans

Insights

Financial Analyst

Q3 2024 results show significant operational improvements for Meridian Net income increased 42.6% to $4.7 million ($0.42 per share), driven by improved net interest margin of 3.20% and strong performance in wealth and mortgage segments.

Key highlights include commercial loan growth of $30.0 million (2%) quarterly and $158.0 million (11%) year-over-year. Deposit growth remained robust at $63.5 million (3%) quarterly and $170.3 million (9.4%) annually.

However, asset quality metrics show some deterioration with non-performing loans increasing to $45.1 million (2.20% of total loans) from $37.6 million (1.84%) in Q2. The allowance for credit losses remains stable at 1.10% of total loans.

Banking Industry Expert

The bank's strategic positioning in the Philadelphia metro market shows promising results. The net interest margin improvement to 3.20% is particularly noteworthy given the challenging rate environment, outperforming many regional bank peers.

The growth in non-interest-bearing deposits ($13.2 million or 6% quarterly increase) is a positive indicator for funding costs. The bank's focus on deposit-rich segments and technology-driven efficiency demonstrates forward-thinking management.

The increase in non-performing loans warrants monitoring but appears manageable given the strong capital position with a Community Bank Leverage Ratio of 9.32%. The quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share reflects management's confidence in sustained profitability.

MALVERN, Pa., Oct. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Meridian Corporation (Nasdaq: MRBK) today reported:

	Three Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
Income:
Net income	$	4,743		$	3,326		$	4,005
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.42		$	0.30		$	0.35
Pre-tax, pre-provision income (1)	$	8,527		$	7,072		$	5,292
(1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation in the Appendix

• Net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 was $4.7 million and pre-tax, pre-provision income was $8.5 million¹.
• Return on average assets and return on average equity for the third quarter of 2024 were 0.80% and 11.41%, respectively.
  
• Net interest margin was 3.20% for the third quarter of 2024, with a loan yield of 7.41%.
  
• Total assets at September 30, 2024 were $2.4 billion, compared to $2.4 billion at June 30, 2024 and $2.2 billion at September 30, 2023.
  
• Commercial loans, excluding leases, increased $30.0 million, or 2% for the quarter and $158.0 million, or 11% year over year.
• Third quarter deposit growth was $63.5 million, or 3%, and $170.3 million, or 9.4% year over year.
• Non-interest-bearing deposits were up $13.2 million or 6%, quarter over quarter.
  
• On October 22, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per common share, payable November 19, 2024 to shareholders of record as of November 12, 2024.

Christopher J. Annas, Chairman and CEO commented:

“Our third quarter earnings showed significant improvement from the second quarter, increasing by 42.6% to $4.7 million, or $0.42 per share. Key highlights include an improving net interest margin at 3.20% for the quarter, and strong results from our wealth and mortgage segments. Robust loan growth of 7.2% for the first nine months of the year reflects our strong sales culture and healthy economic conditions in our primary market areas.  We have great systems for lenders to be more effective, and that same technology for our customers to bank entirely online, which leads to better efficiencies. Deposit growth is consistent, and we are evaluating deposit-rich segments to accelerate growth that is less reliant on branch networks.

Our wealth segment is benefiting from local disruption and the cross-selling from our commercial/industrial and CRE lending units. A recent hire from a large local bank has accelerated growth and has a pipeline for adding advisors. The mortgage segment has recovered from the rate shock, and despite a continued lack of homes for sale, is hitting volume levels similar to pre-2019. The hard decisions made to cut back expenses and reposition the business are paying off. And if mortgage rates fall in 2025, there are many refinance opportunities.  

Since starting the bank in 2004, Meridian has built a great reputation for responsiveness and consistency. The business community heavily relies on these qualities in a bank to build and grow themselves. We are the go-to bank in the Philadelphia metro market, and in a great position to build ever larger market share."

Select Condensed Financial Information

	As of or for the quarter ended (Unaudited)
	September 30,  2024				June 30,  2024				March 31,  2024				December 31,  2023				September 30,  2023
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Income:
Net income	$	4,743			$	3,326			$	2,676			$	571			$	4,005
Basic earnings per common share		0.43				0.30				0.24				0.05				0.36
Diluted earnings per common share		0.42				0.30				0.24				0.05				0.35
Net interest income		18,242				16,846				16,609				16,942				17,224
Balance Sheet:
Total assets	$	2,387,721			$	2,351,584			$	2,292,923			$	2,246,193			$	2,230,971
Loans, net of fees and costs		2,008,396				1,988,535				1,956,315				1,895,806				1,885,629
Total deposits		1,978,927				1,915,436				1,900,696				1,823,462				1,808,645
Non-interest bearing deposits		237,207				224,040				220,581				239,289				244,668
Stockholders' equity		167,450				162,382				159,936				158,022				155,114
Balance Sheet Average Balances:
Total assets	$	2,373,261			$	2,319,295			$	2,269,047			$	2,219,340			$	2,184,385
Total interest earning assets		2,277,523				2,222,177				2,173,212				2,121,068				2,086,331
Loans, net of fees and costs		1,997,574				1,972,740				1,944,187				1,891,170				1,876,648
Total deposits		1,960,145				1,919,954				1,823,523				1,820,532				1,782,140
Non-interest bearing deposits		246,310				229,040				233,255				254,025				253,485
Stockholders' equity		165,309				162,119				159,822				157,210				156,271
Performance Ratios (Annualized):
Return on average assets		0.80	%			0.58	%			0.47	%			0.10	%			0.73	%
Return on average equity		11.41	%			8.25	%			6.73	%			1.44	%			10.17	%

Income Statement - Third Quarter 2024 Compared to Second Quarter 2024

Third quarter net income increased $1.4 million, or 42.6%, to $4.7 million led by increased net interest income and a lower quarterly provision for credit losses, combined with an increase in net operating income from the mortgage division.  Net interest income increased $1.4 million, or 8.3%, as the increase in interest income out-paced the increase in interest expense. Non-interest income increased $1.6 million or 17.2%, reflecting higher levels of mortgage banking income and an improvement in fair value changes of the pipeline as well as fair valued portfolio loans.  Non-interest expense increased $1.5 million, or 8.0%, due primarily to an increase in salaries and employee benefits expense, professional fees and other expense.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease in advertising and promotion expense. Detailed explanations of the major categories of income and expense follow below.

Net Interest income

The rate/volume analysis table below analyzes dollar changes in the components of interest income and interest expense as they relate to the change in balances (volume) and the change in interest rates (rate) of tax-equivalent net interest income for the periods indicated and allocated by rate and volume. Changes in interest income and/or expense related to changes attributable to both volume and rate have been allocated proportionately based on the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of the change in each category.

	Quarter Ended
(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			$ Change				% Change			Change due to rate				Change due to volume
Interest income:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	416		$	331		$	85			25.7	%		$	3			$	82
Investment securities - taxable		1,480			1,324			156			11.8	%			28				128
Investment securities - tax exempt (1)		397			403			(6	)		(1.5	)%			(3	)			(3	)
Loans held for sale		766			572			194			33.9	%			(5	)			199
Loans held for investment (1)		37,339			35,916			1,423			4.0	%			967				456
Total loans		38,105			36,488			1,617			4.4	%			962				655
Total interest income	$	40,398		$	38,546		$	1,852			4.8	%		$	990			$	862
Interest expense:
Interest-bearing demand deposits	$	1,390		$	1,279		$	111			8.7	%		$	118			$	(7	)
Money market and savings deposits		8,391			8,265			126			1.5	%			(494	)			620
Time deposits		9,532			9,447			85			0.9	%			(406	)			491
Total interest - bearing deposits		19,313			18,991			322			1.7	%			(782	)			1,104
Borrowings		1,985			1,851			134			7.2	%			21				113
Subordinated debentures		779			777			2			0.3	%			—				2
Total interest expense		22,077			21,619			458			2.1	%			(761	)			1,219
Net interest income differential	$	18,321		$	16,927		$	1,394			8.24	%		$	1,751			$	(357	)
(1) Reflected on a tax-equivalent basis.

Interest income increased $1.9 million quarter-over-quarter on a tax equivalent basis, driven by the level of average earning assets which increased by $55.3 million contributing $862 thousand to the interest income increase. In addition, the yield on earnings assets increased 8 basis points during the period.

Average total loans, excluding residential loans for sale, increased $25.0 million resulting in an increase due to volume in interest income of $456 thousand. The largest drivers of this increase were commercial, commercial real estate, and small business loans which on a combined basis increased $34.4 million on average, partially offset by a decrease in average leases of $11.6 million. Home equity, residential real estate, consumer and other loans held in portfolio increased on a combined basis $2.1 million on average.  The yield on total loans increased 10 basis points, helped by loan fees of $509 thousand, and the yield on cash and investments increased 3 basis points on a combined basis. 

Total interest expense increased $458 thousand, quarter-over-quarter, due to higher levels of deposits, particularly money market and time deposits having a bigger impact than rate changes. Interest expense on total deposits increased $322 thousand and interest expense on borrowings increased $134 thousand. During the period, money market accounts and time deposits increased $15.1 million and $8.6 million on average, respectively, while interest-bearing demand deposits decreased $640 thousand on average. Borrowings increased $9.1 million on average. Overall increase in interest expense on deposits due to volume changes was $1.1 million. 

The cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased 3 basis points driven by certain money market funds and wholesale time deposits which repriced at lower costs. The total decrease in interest expense on deposits attributable to rate changes was $782 thousand. Overall the net interest margin increased 14 basis points to 3.20% as the yield on earning assets improved, the cost of funds declined and non-interest bearing balances increased $18.7 million on average.

Provision for Credit Losses

The overall provision for credit losses for the third quarter decreased $398 thousand to $2.3 million, from $2.7 million in the second quarter.  The provision for funded loans decreased $670 thousand and the provision on unfunded loan commitments increased $272 thousand during the current quarter.  The third quarter provision for funded loans of $2.0 million declined from the prior quarter due largely to a decrease of $1.9 million in net charge-offs and was positively impacted by favorable changes in certain portfolio baseline loss rates.

Non-interest income

The following table presents the components of non-interest income for the periods indicated:

	Quarter Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	September 30,  2024				June 30,  2024				$ Change				% Change
Mortgage banking income	$	6,474			$	5,420			$	1,054			19.4	%
Wealth management income		1,447				1,444				3			0.2	%
SBA loan income		544				785				(241	)		(30.7	)%
Earnings on investment in life insurance		222				215				7			3.3	%
Net change in the fair value of derivative instruments		(102	)			203				(305	)		(150.2	)%
Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-sale		169				(29	)			198			(682.8	)%
Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-investment		965				(24	)			989			(4120.8	)%
Net loss (gain) on hedging activity		(197	)			(63	)			(134	)		212.7	%
Net loss on sale of investment securities available-for-sale		(57	)			—				(57	)		(100.0	)%
Other		1,366				1,293				73			5.6	%
Total non-interest income	$	10,831			$	9,244			$	1,587			17.2	%

Total non-interest income increased $1.6 million, or 17.2%, quarter-over-quarter as mortgage banking income increased $1.1 million, or 19.4%. Mortgage loan sales increased $47.8 million or 24.1% quarter over quarter driving higher gain on sale income at a slightly higher margin.  SBA and other income decreased $168 thousand combined due largely to lower levels of SBA loan sales.  SBA loans sold for the quarter-ended September 30, 2024 totaled $11.9 million, down $246 thousand, or 2.0%, compared to the quarter-ended June 30, 2024. The gross margin on SBA sales was 7.9% for the quarter, down from 8.8% for the previous quarter. 

Non-interest expense

The following table presents the components of non-interest expense for the periods indicated:

	Quarter Ended
(Dollars in thousands)	September 30,  2024			June 30,  2024			$ Change				% Change
Salaries and employee benefits	$	12,829		$	11,437		$	1,392			12.2	%
Occupancy and equipment		1,243			1,230			13			1.1	%
Professional fees		1,106			1,029			77			7.5	%
Data processing and software		1,553			1,506			47			3.1	%
Advertising and promotion		717			989			(272	)		(27.5	)%
Pennsylvania bank shares tax		181			274			(93	)		(33.9	)%
Other		2,917			2,553			365			14.3	%
Total non-interest expense	$	20,546		$	19,018		$	1,528			8.0	%

Salaries and employee benefits increased $1.4 million overall, with bank and wealth segments combined having increased $588 thousand, and the mortgage segment increased $804 thousand.  Mortgage segment salaries, commissions, and employee benefits are impacted by volume and therefore increased as originations increased $17.2 million over the prior quarter.

Professional fees increased $77 thousand during the current quarter due to an increased level of legal expense related to non-performing assets.  Advertising and promotion expense decreased $272 thousand from the prior quarter as a result of a seasonal decrease in business development expenses.  Other expense increased $365 thousand from the prior quarter due to an increase in employee travel and trainings, combined with an increase in loan fees.

Balance Sheet - September 30, 2024 Compared to June 30, 2024

Total assets increased $36.1 million, or 1.5%, to $2.4 billion as of September 30, 2024 from $2.4 billion at June 30, 2024. This increase was driven by strong loan growth and an increase in investments.  Interest-bearing cash increased $4.2 million, or 26.9%, to $19.8 million as of September 30, 2024, from June 30, 2024.

Portfolio loan growth was $20.3 million, or 1.0% quarter-over-quarter.  The portfolio growth was generated from commercial mortgage loans which increased $25.6 million, or 3.3%, commercial & industrial loans which increased $11.4 million, or 3.2%, and small business loans which increased $5.0 million despite the sale of $11.9 million in small business loan during the quarter.  Lease financings decreased $10.9 million, or 11.2% from June 30, 2024, partially offsetting the above noted loan growth, but this decline was expected as we continue to refocus away from lease originations. Other assets increased by $7.1 million quarter-over-quarter, due largely to certain SBA loan sales that settled after quarter-end. 

Total deposits increased $63.5 million, or 3.3% quarter-over-quarter, due largely to higher levels of money market accounts and time deposits to a lesser degree.  Money market accounts and savings accounts increased a combined $35.4 million, while time deposits increased $11.6 million from largely wholesale efforts, and interest bearing demand deposits increased $3.4 million.  Non-interest bearing deposits increased $13.2 million. Overall borrowings decreased $42.4 million, or 22.6% quarter-over-quarter.

Total stockholders’ equity increased by $5.1 million from June 30, 2024, to $167.5 million as of September 30, 2024.  Changes to equity for the current quarter included net income of $4.7 million, less dividends paid of $1.4 million, plus an increase of $1.3 million in other comprehensive income due to the positive impact that declining interest rate environment had on the investment portfolio.  The Community Bank Leverage Ratio for the Bank was 9.32% at September 30, 2024.

Asset Quality Summary

Non-performing loans increased $7.5 million to $45.1 million at September 30, 2024 compared to $37.6 million at June 30, 2024. As a result of the increase, the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans increased to 2.20% as of September 30, 2024, from 1.84% as of June 30, 2024, and the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets increased to 1.97% as of September 30, 2024, compared to 1.68% as of June 30, 2024. The increase in non-performing assets was led by a $4.2 million increase in non-performing residential mortgage loans and a $1.8 million increase in non-performing commercial loans as the bank repurchased at a discount of $574 thousand, the remaining balance of a commercial loan participation to another bank. The impact of this loan repurchase increased the balance of non-performing loans by $2.1 million and also increased the ACL by the amount of the discount. 

Meridian realized net charge-offs of 0.11% of total average loans for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, down from 0.20% for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.  Net charge-offs decreased to $2.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $4.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.  Third quarter charge-offs were comprised of $1.2 million from small ticket equipment leases which are charged-off after becoming more than 120 days past due, and $1.1 million in SBA loans.  Overall there were recoveries of $153 thousand, largely related to leases and small business loans.

The ratio of allowance for credit losses to total loans held for investment, excluding loans at fair value (a non-GAAP measure, see reconciliation in the Appendix), was 1.10% as of September 30, 2024, consistent with the coverage ratio of 1.10% as of June 30, 2024.  As of September 30, 2024 there were specific reserves of $6.8 million against individually evaluated loans, a decrease of $394 thousand from $7.2 million in specific reserves as of June 30, 2024.  The specific reserve decline over the prior quarter was the result of a drop in SBA loan related reserves driven by charge-offs during the current quarter, partially offset by an increase in specific reserve as the result of repurchasing a commercial loan participation from another bank as discussed above.

About Meridian Corporation

Meridian Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of Meridian Corporation, is an innovative community bank serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Through its 17 offices, including banking branches and mortgage locations, Meridian offers a full suite of financial products and services. Meridian specializes in business and industrial lending, retail and commercial real estate lending, electronic payments, and wealth management solutions through Meridian Wealth Partners. Meridian also offers a broad menu of high-yield depository products supported by robust online and mobile access. For additional information, visit our website at www.meridianbanker.com. Member FDIC.

“Safe Harbor” Statement

In addition to historical information, this press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include statements with respect to Meridian Corporation’s strategies, goals, beliefs, expectations, estimates, intentions, capital raising efforts, financial condition and results of operations, future performance and business. Statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “pro forma,” “looking forward,” “would,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” or similar expressions generally indicate a forward-looking statement.  These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various important factors (some of which, in whole or in part, are beyond Meridian Corporation’s control). Numerous competitive, economic, regulatory, legal and technological factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, credit losses and the credit risk of our commercial and consumer loan products; changes in the level of charge-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, or ACL; cyber-security concerns; rapid technological developments and changes; increased competitive pressures; changes in spreads on interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; changes in general economic conditions and conditions within the securities markets;  unanticipated changes in our liquidity position; unanticipated changes in regulatory and governmental policies impacting interest rates and financial markets; legislation affecting the financial services industry as a whole, and Meridian Corporation, in particular; changes in accounting policies, practices or guidance;  developments affecting the industry and the soundness of financial institutions and further disruption to the economy and U.S. banking system; among others, could cause Meridian Corporation’s financial performance to differ materially from the goals, plans, objectives, intentions and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. Meridian Corporation cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive, and neither such factors nor any such forward-looking statement takes into account the impact of any future events. All forward-looking statements and information set forth herein are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions as of the date hereof and speak only as of the date they are made. For a more complete discussion of the assumptions, risks and uncertainties related to our business, you are encouraged to review Meridian Corporation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K that update or provide information in addition to the information included in the Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings, if any. Meridian Corporation does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by Meridian Corporation or by or on behalf of Meridian Bank.

MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FINANCIAL RATIOS (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Quarter Ended
	September 30,  2024				June 30,  2024				March 31,  2024				December 31,  2023				September 30,  2023
Earnings and Per Share Data:
Net income	$	4,743			$	3,326			$	2,676			$	571			$	4,005
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.43			$	0.30			$	0.24			$	0.05			$	0.36
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.42			$	0.30			$	0.24			$	0.05			$	0.35
Common shares outstanding		11,229				11,191				11,186				11,183				11,178
Performance Ratios:
Return on average assets (2)		0.80	%			0.58	%			0.47	%			0.10	%			0.73	%
Return on average equity (2)		11.41				8.25				6.73				1.44				10.17
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent) (2)		3.20				3.06				3.09				3.18				3.29
Yield on earning assets (tax-equivalent) (2)		7.06				6.98				6.90				6.81				6.76
Cost of funds (2)		4.05				4.10				4.00				3.81				3.63
Efficiency ratio		70.67	%			72.89	%			73.90	%			78.63	%			79.09	%
Asset Quality Ratios:
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans		0.11	%			0.20	%			0.12	%			0.11	%			0.05	%
Non-performing loans to total loans		2.20				1.84				1.93				1.76				1.53
Non-performing assets to total assets		1.97				1.68				1.74				1.58				1.38
Allowance for credit losses to:
Total loans and other finance receivables		1.09				1.09				1.18				1.17				1.04
Total loans and other finance receivables (excluding loans at fair value) (1)		1.10				1.10				1.19				1.17				1.05
Non-performing loans		48.66	%			57.66	%			60.59	%			65.48	%			67.61	%
Capital Ratios:
Book value per common share	$	14.91			$	14.51			$	14.30			$	14.13			$	13.88
Tangible book value per common share	$	14.58			$	14.17			$	13.96			$	13.78			$	13.53
Total equity/Total assets		7.01	%			6.91	%			6.98	%			7.04	%			6.95	%
Tangible common equity/Tangible assets - Corporation (1)		6.87				6.76				6.82				6.87				6.79
Tangible common equity/Tangible assets - Bank (1)		8.95				8.85				8.93				8.94				8.89
Tier 1 leverage ratio - Bank		9.32				9.33				9.42				9.46				9.65
Common tier 1 risk-based capital ratio - Bank		10.17				9.84				9.87				10.10				10.82
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio - Bank		10.17				9.84				9.87				10.10				10.82
Total risk-based capital ratio - Bank		11.22	%			10.84	%			10.95	%			11.17	%			11.85	%
(1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation in the Appendix
(2) Annualized

MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended												Nine Months Ended
	September 30,  2024				June 30,  2024				September 30,  2023				September 30,  2024				September 30,  2023
Interest income:
Loans and other finance receivables, including fees	$	38,103			$	36,486			$	33,980			$	109,928			$	95,612
Securities - taxable		1,480				1,324				901				4,055				2,853
Securities - tax-exempt		320				324				333				969				1,038
Cash and cash equivalents		416				331				245				1,047				741
Total interest income		40,319				38,465				35,459				115,999				100,244
Interest expense:
Deposits		19,313				18,991				15,543				55,696				41,013
Borrowings and subordinated debentures		2,764				2,628				2,692				8,606				7,230
Total interest expense		22,077				21,619				18,235				64,302				48,243
Net interest income		18,242				16,846				17,224				51,697				52,001
Provision for credit losses		2,282				2,680				82				7,828				2,186
Net interest income after provision for credit losses		15,960				14,166				17,142				43,869				49,815
Non-interest income:
Mortgage banking income		6,474				5,420				4,819				15,528				13,143
Wealth management income		1,447				1,444				1,258				4,208				3,689
SBA loan income		544				785				982				2,315				3,463
Earnings on investment in life insurance		222				215				201				644				585
Net change in the fair value of derivative instruments		(102	)			203				103				176				217
Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-sale		169				(29	)			111				138				(88	)
Net change in the fair value of loans held-for-investment		965				(24	)			(570	)			766				(673	)
Net loss (gain) on hedging activity		(197	)			(63	)			82				(279	)			81
Net loss on sale of investment securities available-for-sale		(57	)			—				(3	)			(57	)			(58	)
Other		1,366				1,293				1,103				4,620				3,489
Total non-interest income		10,831				9,244				8,086				28,059				23,848
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits		12,829				11,437				12,420				34,839				35,633
Occupancy and equipment		1,243				1,230				1,226				3,706				3,610
Professional fees		1,106				1,029				1,104				3,633				2,930
Data processing and software		1,553				1,506				1,652				4,591				4,764
Advertising and promotion		717				989				848				2,454				2,799
Pennsylvania bank shares tax		181				274				244				729				735
Other		2,917				2,553				2,524				7,786				6,951
Total non-interest expense		20,546				19,018				20,018				57,738				57,422
Income before income taxes		6,245				4,392				5,210				14,190				16,241
Income tax expense		1,502				1,066				1,205				3,445				3,568
Net income	$	4,743			$	3,326			$	4,005			$	10,745			$	12,673
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.43			$	0.30			$	0.36			$	0.97			$	1.14
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.42			$	0.30			$	0.35			$	0.96			$	1.11
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		11,110				11,096				11,058				11,098				11,129
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		11,234				11,150				11,363				11,198				11,449

MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
	September 30,  2024				June 30,  2024				March 31,  2024				December 31,  2023				September 30,  2023
Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	12,542			$	8,457			$	8,935			$	10,067			$	12,734
Interest-bearing deposits at other banks		19,805				15,601				14,092				46,630				47,025
Cash and cash equivalents		32,347				24,058				23,027				56,697				59,759
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value		171,568				159,141				150,996				146,019				122,218
Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost		33,833				35,089				35,157				35,781				36,232
Equity investments		2,166				2,088				2,092				2,121				2,019
Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value		46,602				54,278				29,124				24,816				23,144
Loans and other finance receivables, net of fees and costs		2,008,396				1,988,535				1,956,315				1,895,806				1,885,629
Allowance for credit losses		(21,965	)			(21,703	)			(23,171	)			(22,107	)			(19,683	)
Loans and other finance receivables, net of the allowance for credit losses		1,986,431				1,966,832				1,933,144				1,873,699				1,865,946
Restricted investment in bank stock		8,542				10,044				8,560				8,072				8,309
Bank premises and equipment, net		12,807				13,114				13,451				13,557				13,310
Bank owned life insurance		29,489				29,267				29,051				28,844				28,641
Accrued interest receivable		10,012				9,973				9,864				9,325				8,984
Other real estate owned		1,862				1,862				1,703				1,703				1,703
Deferred income taxes		3,537				3,950				4,339				4,201				4,993
Servicing assets		4,364				11,341				11,573				11,748				11,835
Servicing assets held for sale		6,609				—				—				—				—
Goodwill		899				899				899				899				899
Intangible assets		2,818				2,869				2,920				2,971				3,022
Other assets		33,835				26,779				37,023				25,740				39,957
Total assets	$	2,387,721			$	2,351,584			$	2,292,923			$	2,246,193			$	2,230,971
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing	$	237,207			$	224,040			$	220,581			$	239,289			$	244,668
Interest bearing
Interest checking		133,429				130,062				121,204				150,898				156,537
Money market and savings deposits		822,837				787,479				797,525				747,803				746,599
Time deposits		785,454				773,855				761,386				685,472				660,841
Total interest-bearing deposits		1,741,720				1,691,396				1,680,115				1,584,173				1,563,977
Total deposits		1,978,927				1,915,436				1,900,696				1,823,462				1,808,645
Borrowings		144,880				187,260				145,803				174,896				177,959
Subordinated debentures		49,928				49,897				49,867				49,836				50,079
Accrued interest payable		7,017				7,709				8,350				10,324				7,814
Other liabilities		39,519				28,900				28,271				29,653				31,360
Total liabilities		2,220,271				2,189,202				2,132,987				2,088,171				2,075,857
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock		13,232				13,194				13,189				13,186				13,181
Surplus		81,002				80,639				80,487				80,325				79,731
Treasury stock		(26,079	)			(26,079	)			(26,079	)			(26,079	)			(26,079	)
Unearned common stock held by employee stock ownership plan		(1,204	)			(1,204	)			(1,204	)			(1,204	)			(1,403	)
Retained earnings		107,765				104,420				102,492				101,216				102,043
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(7,266	)			(8,588	)			(8,949	)			(9,422	)			(12,359	)
Total stockholders’ equity		167,450				162,382				159,936				158,022				155,114
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,387,721			$	2,351,584			$	2,292,923			$	2,246,193			$	2,230,971

MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND SEGMENT INFORMATION (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			September 30, 2023
Interest income	$	40,319		$	38,465		$	37,215		$	36,346		$	35,459
Interest expense		22,077			21,619			20,606			19,404			18,235
Net interest income		18,242			16,846			16,609			16,942			17,224
Provision for credit losses		2,282			2,680			2,866			4,628			82
Non-interest income		10,831			9,244			7,984			8,117			8,086
Non-interest expense		20,546			19,018			18,174			19,703			20,018
Income before income tax expense		6,245			4,392			3,553			728			5,210
Income tax expense		1,502			1,066			877			157			1,205
Net Income	$	4,743		$	3,326		$	2,676		$	571		$	4,005
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		11,110			11,096			11,088			11,070			11,058
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.43		$	0.30		$	0.24		$	0.05		$	0.36
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		11,234			11,150			11,201			11,206			11,363
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.42		$	0.30		$	0.24		$	0.05		$	0.35

	Segment Information
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2024																Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
(dollars in thousands)	Bank				Wealth				Mortgage				Total				Bank				Wealth				Mortgage				Total
Net interest income	$	18,151			$	46			$	45			$	18,242			$	17,205			$	(15	)		$	34			$	17,224
Provision for credit losses		2,282				—				—				2,282				82				—				—				82
Net interest income after provision		15,869				46				45				15,960				17,123				(15	)			34				17,142
Non-interest income		1,358				1,447				8,026				10,831				1,758				1,258				5,070				8,086
Non-interest expense		13,287				840				6,419				20,546				12,564				826				6,628				20,018
Income (loss) before income taxes	$	3,940			$	653			$	1,652			$	6,245			$	6,317			$	417			$	(1,524	)		$	5,210
Efficiency ratio		68	%			56	%			80	%			71	%			66	%			66	%			130	%			79	%
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024																Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
(dollars in thousands)	Bank				Wealth				Mortgage				Total				Bank				Wealth				Mortgage				Total
Net interest income	$	51,528			$	76			$	93			$	51,697			$	51,928			$	(12	)		$	85			$	52,001
Provision for credit losses		7,828				—				—				7,828				2,186				—				—				2,186
Net interest income after provision		43,700				76				93				43,869				49,742				(12	)			85				49,815
Non-interest income		4,908				4,207				18,944				28,059				5,696				3,689				14,463				23,848
Non-interest expense		37,962				2,479				17,297				57,738				35,608				2,704				19,110				57,422
Income (loss) before income taxes	$	10,646			$	1,804			$	1,740			$	14,190			$	19,830			$	973			$	(4,562	)		$	16,241
Efficiency ratio		67	%			58	%			91	%			72	%			62	%			74	%			131	%			76	%

MERIDIAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
APPENDIX: NON-GAAP MEASURES (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)

Meridian believes that non-GAAP measures are meaningful because they reflect adjustments commonly made by management, investors, regulators and analysts. The non-GAAP disclosure have limitations as an analytical tool, should not be viewed as a substitute for performance and financial condition measures determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of Meridian’s results as reported under GAAP, nor is it necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.

	Pre-tax, Pre-provision Reconciliation
	Three Months Ended									Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data, Unaudited)	September 30,  2024			June 30,  2024			September 30,  2023			September 30,  2024			September 30,  2023
Income before income tax expense	$	6,245		$	4,392		$	5,210		$	14,190		$	16,241
Provision for credit losses		2,282			2,680			82			7,828			2,186
Pre-tax, pre-provision income	$	8,527		$	7,072		$	5,292		$	22,018		$	18,427

	Pre-tax, Pre-provision Reconciliation
	Three Months Ended										Nine Months Ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data, Unaudited)	September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			September 30, 2023				September 30, 2024			September 30, 2023
Bank	$	6,222		$	5,851		$	6,399			$	18,474		$	22,016
Wealth		653			676			417				1,804			973
Mortgage		1,652			545			(1,524	)			1,740			(4,562	)
Pre-tax, pre-provision income	$	8,527		$	7,072		$	5,292			$	22,018		$	18,427

	Allowance For Credit Losses (ACL) to Loans and Other Finance Receivables, Excluding and Loans at Fair Value
	September 30, 2024				June 30, 2024				March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023				September 30, 2023
Allowance for credit losses (GAAP)	$	21,965			$	21,703			$	23,171			$	22,107			$	19,683
Loans and other finance receivables (GAAP)		2,008,396				1,988,535				1,956,315				1,895,806				1,885,629
Less: Loans at fair value		(13,965	)			(12,900	)			(13,139	)			(13,726	)			(13,231	)
Loans and other finance receivables, excluding loans at fair value  (non-GAAP)	$	1,994,431			$	1,975,635			$	1,943,176			$	1,882,080			$	1,872,398
ACL to loans and other finance receivables (GAAP)		1.09	%			1.09	%			1.18	%			1.17	%			1.04	%
ACL to loans and other finance receivables, excluding loans at fair value (non-GAAP)		1.10	%			1.10	%			1.19	%			1.17	%			1.05	%

	Tangible Common Equity Ratio Reconciliation - Corporation
	September 30,  2024				June 30,  2024				March 31,  2024				December 31,  2023				September 30,  2023
Total stockholders' equity (GAAP)	$	167,450			$	162,382			$	159,936			$	158,022			$	155,114
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,717	)			(3,768	)			(3,819	)			(3,870	)			(3,921	)
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)		163,733				158,614				156,117				154,152				151,193
Total assets (GAAP)		2,387,721				2,351,584				2,292,923				2,246,193				2,230,971
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,717	)			(3,768	)			(3,819	)			(3,870	)			(3,921	)
Tangible assets (non-GAAP)	$	2,384,004			$	2,347,816			$	2,289,104			$	2,242,323			$	2,227,050
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio - Corporation (non-GAAP)		6.87	%			6.76	%			6.82	%			6.87	%			6.79	%

	Tangible Common Equity Ratio Reconciliation - Bank
	September 30,  2024				June 30,  2024				March 31,  2024				December 31,  2023				September 30,  2023
Total stockholders' equity (GAAP)	$	217,028			$	211,308			$	208,319			$	204,132			$	201,996
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,717	)			(3,768	)			(3,819	)			(3,870	)			(3,921	)
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)		213,311				207,540				204,500				200,262				198,075
Total assets (GAAP)		2,385,994				2,349,600				2,292,894				2,244,893				2,232,297
Less: Goodwill and intangible assets		(3,717	)			(3,768	)			(3,819	)			(3,870	)			(3,921	)
Tangible assets (non-GAAP)	$	2,382,277			$	2,345,832			$	2,289,075			$	2,241,023			$	2,228,376
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio - Bank (non-GAAP)		8.95	%			8.85	%			8.93	%			8.94	%			8.89	%
	Tangible Book Value Reconciliation
	September 30,  2024				June 30,  2024				March 31,  2024				December 31,  2023				September 30,  2023
Book value per common share	$	14.91			$	14.51			$	14.30			$	14.13			$	13.88
Less: Impact of goodwill /intangible assets		0.33				0.34				0.34				0.35				0.35
Tangible book value per common share	$	14.58			$	14.17			$	13.96			$	13.78			$	13.53

Contact:
Christopher J. Annas
484.568.5001
CAnnas@meridianbanker.com

FAQ

What was Meridian 's (MRBK) earnings per share in Q3 2024?

Meridian reported diluted earnings per share of $0.42 in Q3 2024.

How much did MRBK's commercial loans grow in Q3 2024?

Commercial loans increased by $30.0 million (2%) in Q3 2024 and $158.0 million (11%) year-over-year.

What dividend did MRBK declare for Q3 2024?

Meridian declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.125 per common share, payable November 19, 2024.

What was MRBK's net interest margin in Q3 2024?

Meridian 's net interest margin was 3.20% for the third quarter of 2024.